Feminist Critical Theory in

Tangled
By: Sparsh Sukhadia
 Feminist Critical Theory
Feminist critical theory, also known as feminist literary criticism, is a framework for analyzing
and addressing social, cultural, and political aspects of gender inequality. It emerged as a response
to the need for a deeper understanding of women's experiences and struggles, as well as a critique
of existing power structures that perpetuate gender-based inequalities. Key elements of feminist
critical theory include gender as a social construction, intersectionality, critique of patriarchy,
voice and representation, power and privilege, and activism and social change. Feminist theory
aims to uncover and challenge gender-based inequalities, work towards a more equitable and
inclusive society, and advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and justice.
 Introduction
Applying a feminist approach to the movie "Tangled"
involves analyzing and interpreting the film from a
feminist perspective, focusing on the portrayal of
gender roles, stereotypes, power dynamics, and agency
of the female characters. Analyzing this movie through
a feminist lens, shows that this movie shows how a
strong, autonomous woman should be in the world. It
also shows that men do not always have to be the
main hero, and that they are not in control of what
women can or cannot do. The two main characters are
Flynn and Rapunzel, they both pry away from the
gender stereotypes that their gender was given.
Gender Stereotypes
 Gender Stereotypes – Rapunzel

● Rapunzel defies gender stereotypes by being a strong autonomous woman, where

women are usually depicted as, needing to be saved by the male hero or not being able
to make her own decisions. She has shown multiple times in the movie that she is
capable of handling problems by herself, and in multiple instances where Rapunzel
helps Flynn instead of the other way around.
● She has shown that she can be independent by leaving the tower and actively searching
for adventure and freedom. She also pursues her dream of finding the floating lanterns,
which shows that she is not a “normal” woman who stays home and takes care of kids.
● Rapunzel also shows that she has strength and is resourceful, she uses her hair to swing,
climb, defend herself and it also has healing properties that have healed Flynn’s hand.
● She also has good problem-solving skills and is rational wither her decisions, as gender
stereotypes say women are not, she proves those stereotypes wrong.
 00:20 – 02:30

This shows that she can handle herself

and that she helped Flynn out. This shows that she is resourceful
and also helping Flynn out again.

This shows that she has good

problem-solving skills and can cooperate
with one another.
 Gender Stereotypes – Flynn
● Flynn is not scared to show his emotion, men are usually
seen as tough, invulnerable and stoic, however he has shown
emotions like: anxiety, fear, insecurity and affection. Which
men “normally” should not show, it breaks the stereotypes
of men and shows a wide range of emotions that is beyond
of what traditional male characters are capable of.
● He starts off as a brave and charming man, but throughout
the story and watching his character development, he
changes and becomes someone that can share emotions
with Rapunzel. He starts to actually care about Rapunzel, he
starts to protect her and provides emotional support to her.
● He learns to value authenticity, vulnerability, and
emotional connection over societal expectations of what it
means to be a "man."
“You get to find a new dream” – Flynn, ‘You
were my new dream” – Flynn.
These quotes show that Flynn is trying to
make Rapunzel feel better by assuring her
that the flying lanterns will be perfect. This
also shows that he has developed to show
his emotions for Rapunzel and break out of
the male stereotype.
 Patriarchal Constructs
● Mother Gothel, the main antagonist, represents a patriarchal figure who
exerts control and ownership over Rapunzel, keeping her isolated in the
tower and manipulating her with fear of the outside world. This power
dynamic reflects a malevolent figure seeking to dominate and suppress a
young woman.
● Rapunzel's long, magical hair symbolizes her beauty, which is linked to
patriarchal beauty standards, perpetuating the idea that women must
conform to societal ideals to be considered worthy or attractive.
● Male characters like Flynn Rider, Maximus, and the kingdom's guards
drive the narrative, reinforcing a patriarchal framework where male
characters are given more prominence and agency compared to female
characters.
● The romantic subplot between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider adheres to
traditional gender dynamics, with Flynn initially serving as the "rescuer"
figure and Rapunzel as the one in need of saving. The narrative evolves
to show Rapunzel's agency and ability to save herself, highlighting the
societal norms and expectations surrounding women's worth and beauty.
 What specific lens does your approach bring to the study of a
text?

The feminist approach analyzes "Tangled" by examining gender roles, power dynamics, and agency.
It examines how the film challenges or reinforces traditional gender stereotypes, focusing on
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider's characterizations. The feminist lens also examines the agency and
empowerment of female characters, such as Rapunzel's self-discovery and assertiveness. It also
examines how "Tangled" subverts traditional fairy tale narratives, presenting more complex male
characters and promoting inclusive gender roles. This approach provides a deeper exploration of
the film's messages, themes, and representations of gender, enabling a critical analysis of its
strengths, limitations, and contributions to feminist storytelling.
What learning/analysis is only possible when using your
approach?

The feminist approach offers a unique perspective on gender dynamics, intersectionality, and the
representation of marginalized voices. It examines power dynamics between male and female characters,
deconstructing traditional gender roles, focusing on marginalized voices, and uncovering hidden narratives.
This approach goes beyond surface-level interpretations, revealing the complexity and depth of female
characters' experiences and providing a framework for understanding and critiquing gendered power
structures. By employing the feminist approach, readers can uncover hidden narratives and gain a deeper
understanding of the text's intricacies.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, the movie "Tangled" presents a mix of both challenging traditional gender roles and perpetuating
patriarchal constructs. While the film breaks away from some stereotypes by portraying strong, independent female
characters like Rapunzel and highlighting themes of agency and female empowerment, it still operates within a
patriarchal framework in certain aspects. The presence of control and ownership dynamics, adherence to beauty
standards, and the prominence of male characters driving the plot reflect the influence of patriarchal norms. By critically
examining these elements, we can appreciate the movie's progressive elements while also recognizing the need for
continued analysis and discussion surrounding gender representation in popular media. "Tangled" serves as a starting
point for exploring gender dynamics in fairy tales and encourages us to strive for more inclusive and diverse narratives
that challenge traditional expectations.
Works Cited
Conli, Roy, et al. Disney’s Tangled DVD. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2010.